E. Herrero-Bervera | USGS Science

USGS2011

Tectono-magmatic processes investigated at deep-water flanks of Hawaiian volcanoes

Hawaiian volcanoes are exceptional examples of intraplate hotspot volcanism. Hotspot volcanoes, which frequently host large eruptions and related earthquakes, flank‐failure landslides, and associated tsunamis, can present severe hazards to populated regions. Many studies have focused on subaerial parts of Hawaiian volcanoes, but the deep‐water flanks of the edifices, which can reach 5700 m below sea level, remain poorly understood because they are so inaccessible. In 1998 a collaborative program between Japan and the United States was initiated to explore the evolution of Hawaiian volcanoes, including their growth and degradation

Hawaii↗

USGS1998

Absolute paleointensity from Hawaiian lavas younger than 35 ka

Paleointensity studies have been conducted in air and in argon atmosphere on nine lava flows with radiocarbon ages distributed between 3.3 and 28.2 ka from the Mauna Loa volcano in the big island of Hawaii. Determinations of paleointensity obtained at eight sites depict the same overall pattern as the previous results for the same period in Hawaii, although the overall average field intensity appears to be lower. Since the present results were determined at higher temperatures than in the previous studies, this discrepancy raises questions regarding the selection of low versus high-temperature segments that are usually made for absolute paleointensity. The virtual dipole moments are similar to those displayed by the worldwide data set obtained from dated lava flows. When averaged within finite time intervals, the worldwide values match nicely the variations of the Sint-200 synthetic record of relative paleointensity and confirm the overall decrease of the dipole field intensity during most of this period. The convergence between the existing records at Hawaii and the rest of the world does not favour the presence of persistent strong non-dipole components beneath Hawaii for this period.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters↗